Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing

The Florida Department of Children and Families is preparing to staff up and be in a position to once again accept and fund applications from families with minor children who are behind in their rent, or who are homeless and need aid for a security deposit to get back into an apartment.

Tom Pierce, Director of the Office on Homelessness, issued the following memo that explains eligibility and the application process:

I am pleased to announce that the Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP) will begin receiving new applications on July 6, 2009.

Please do not send applications to the program until 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 6. Any applications received before that time will be denied.

The household must have at least one child under 18 years of age living there full-time.

The application must be filled out completely, including Social Security numbers for all family members; monthly income from all sources; a written explanation of the housing emergency; and the signature of the applicant.

The one-page Vendor Agreement must be completed and signed by the landlord, mortgage company or property owner. If the case is approved, a State of Florida check will be mailed directly to the landlord, mortgage company or property owner.

The program can pay up to $400.00 one time per year for overdue rent or mortgage payments, or for security deposit for a household that is homeless, being evicted, or whose housing has been damaged by fire, hurricane or other natural disaster.